Top 10: Scuba Diving Destinations

Number 7

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Four secluded islands just off of Mozambique's coast await jet-setting scuba divers. In addition to the reefs and clear waters that divers expect, the Marine National Park also offers supreme night diving and wreck exploration. You can swim through these sunken ships or, as is more common, make friends with grazing manatees and curious dolphins.

The diving is mostly done in open waters, within view of the islands. The best time to go is in June, July and August, when the heat becomes bearable. If you're interested in visiting the Barazuto Archipelago, however, make sure to check government travel advisories, as Mozambique still suffers from unrest following a long civil war.

Number 6

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Known as the king of all Caribbean diving sites (and there are many), the Caymans boast all the features scuba divers demand. First, the weather is pretty much beautiful year round, with rain occurring only in spurts during the summer months. Second, the water is warm and clear, ideal for exploring Grand Cayman's reefs and watching stingrays and angelfish in their habitat. Third, visitors have access to both well-known and untouched scuba areas. A little research will lead you to operators who are willing to take you to the most secluded spots... if you're into that.

Peak tourist times — when you're likely to kick another diver with your flipper — are mid-December to mid-April. The summer months are quieter, but rain and hurricane threats tend to scare visitors away.

Number 5

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

An increasingly popular tourist spot, the islands of Turks & Caicos offer just as much fun under the water as they do above it. Located north of the island of Hispaniola and considered part of the Bahamas, T&C's central point is Grand Turk, truly a scuba diver's wet dream.

Thanks to the government's goal of protecting its prized natural environment — preventing large-scale development of the Grand Turk bays impeding access to prime spots — divers simply get to swim around untouched reefs, dunes and drop-offs.

A 15-minute boat ride by one of three tour operators brings you to the best areas, where batfish, dolphins and eels abound. Peak tourist season (mid-December to mid-April) makes the cost of these tours skyrocket, so your best bet is to visit between April and July, just before the weather becomes unbearably hot.